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Fireworks Safety

Watching fireworks can be great fun for children. However, figures show that, more often than not, it’s children rather than adults who are injured by fireworks.

Organised Fireworks Displays 2018

If you are looking to enjoy fireworks this year why not go to a safe, organised public display? You’ll save money on buying fireworks and you’ll see a much more spectacular display! The period around Nov 5th is traditionally one of the busiest for our fire crews. Scotland need’s its firefighters for real emergencies. Attending bonfires can cost life saving minutes getting to a house fire.

This year we’re producing a list of organised public fireworks displays in the North, East and West of Scotland.

Over the past five years over 350 pre-school children, some as young as one year old, were treated in hospital for firework injuries. Be safe and always follow the fireworks code.

Children - including babies and toddlers - suffer over half of all firework injuries and many of these are babies and toddlers. Children's scars may heal but the trauma for them and their parents can last for years.

We want children to enjoy fireworks but they need to know that they can be dangerous.

All children

Supervise all children carefully and keep them well back from the bonfire and fireworks

Never give sparklers to under-fives

Show older children how to hold sparklers - away from their body and at arm's length - and teach them not to wave them at other people or run while holding them

Avoid dressing children in loose or flowing clothes that could catch alight easily, and give children gloves to wear when holding sparklers

Steer clear of alcohol if you're running a display or looking after kids

Sparkle safely

Did you know that sparklers get five times hotter than cooking oil? Sparklers are not toys and should never be given to a child under five.

Store sparklers and other fireworks in a closed box in a cool, dry place

Always light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves

Never hold a baby or child if you have a sparkler in your hand

Plunge finished sparklers hot end down into a bucket of water as soon as they have burnt out. Remember, sparklers can stay hot for a long time.

Don't take sparklers to public displays. It will be too crowded to use them safely